Grilled Crostini with Roasted Cherries, Ricotta & Basil
User Reviews
5
Grilled Crostini with Roasted Cherries, Ricotta & Basil
Description
The recipe starts with halved, pitted fresh cherries tossed in olive oil, maple syrup, and lemon zest, roasted until juicy and soft. Meanwhile, a lemon ricotta mixture is prepared by combining ricotta cheese with lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper to create a tangy, creamy topping. Slices of French baguette are grilled or toasted until golden and slightly crisp, providing a sturdy base.
Once assembled, each crostini is layered with lemon ricotta, followed by roasted cherries and their juices, then garnished with torn fresh basil and extra lemon zest for brightness. The combination offers sweet, tart, and creamy flavors balanced with herbaceous notes and crisp bread texture. This appetizer is suited to serve at gatherings or as a light starter.
Cherries can be pitted and prepared a day ahead for convenience, saving time on the day of serving. The assembled crostini are best served shortly after construction to maintain bread crispness and topping freshness.
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette cut diagonally into 1/2 inch slices
- For the roasted cherries:
- 4 cups Cherry fresh dark sweet, pitted and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- For the lemon ricotta:
- ricotta cheese whole milk
- lemon juiced
- lemon zest of 1
- salt freshly ground, to taste
- black pepper freshly ground, to taste
- TO GARNISH:
- basil fresh, ribbons
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the pitted and halved cherries to the pan, then drizzle with olive oil, maple syrup and lemon zest; toss together then spread the cherries into a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cherries are nice and juicy.
- In a medium bowl mix together the ricotta, lemon juice, lemon zest and salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, preheat the grill to 400 degrees F or medium high heat. Grill each side of the crostini for approximately 2 minutes or until slightly golden brown, watching carefully so they crostini do not burn. Set aside onto a platter. Alternatively you can baked the crostini for 5 to 7 minutes at 400 degrees F in your oven.
- Once the crostini are cool enough to safely handle, top each one with a dollop of lemon ricotta, followed by a spoonful of roasted cherries and their juices. Finish off the crostini with a sprinkling of torn basil and a little extra lemon zest. Crostini are best served immediately.
Notes
- Pit and halve cherries a day ahead and refrigerate to speed up roasting on serving day.
- Slice the baguette and prepare basil ribbons ahead for easier assembly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 18servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 100 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1crostini (based on 18) | |
| Calories | 100cal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 13.3g | 4% |
| Protein | 3.8g | 8% |
| Fat | 6.7g | 10% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.1g | 11% |
| Fiber | 1.1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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